Card game

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a card game to be played in casinos and wagering rooms. In accordance with the present invention, a method of playing the card game with a dealer and at least one player comprising the steps of providing the dealer with only one deck of cards having four suits containing cards numbered 2 through 10 and an ace, each player placing an initial bet, sequentially dealing four cards to each player and to the dealer from the only deck, each player reviewing his/her cards and choosing to continue to play placing a final bet, determining whether the dealer is eligible to play, revealing the dealer&#39;s cards if the dealer is eligible to play, and for each player continuing to play, determining whether the player has a higher hand than the dealer and paying money to the player if the player has a higher hand than the dealer, paying no money if the dealer and the player tie, and forfeiting the player&#39;s initial and final bets if the dealer has a higher hand than the player. Prior to the dealer revealing his/her cards, a player is chosen to select a super ace. The game also provides for the players receiving Add-on prizes and Insurance awards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of playing a card game with a dealer and at least one player and to equipment to be used in playing the game.

[0002] There is widespread recognition that from mid 20^(th) century on the world started an everlasting search for novelties. Companies got more and more sophisticated in their pursuit to make more and more quality products/services available to consumers, most frequently introducing some kind of innovation as compared to the same product previously presented.

[0003] When the so-called “Technology Era” set foot, the world we live in changed drastically. From the replacing of personal chores by electronic equipment to the current era of robots and microcomputers, companies have excelled in making available not only products/services that are more updated to our times, but especially in a way to allow human beings to interact with machines. It was exactly having this new scenario in mind that the inventor decided to create a new kind of entertainment in the fun games segment.

[0004] While looking specifically at the leisure/entertainment scenario, especially thinking about those who like to entertain themselves by playing, we realize that, in the last fifty years, casino managing companies have been very focused in boosting the image of the old “Slot Machines”.

[0005] Extremely sophisticated machines have been created, operating on simple rules, much easier to operate, and offering a huge variety of attractions to players—from just a song, to a full-fledged show in their digital displays. Technology has also made possible that all “Table Games” available at the casinos could also be implemented in the “Slot Machines”, thus allowing players to keep their individual bets.

[0006] Although they allow players to win a big jackpot on a small bet, the biggest problem faced by “Slot Machines” has always been credibility. As a man-programmed machine, it is suspicious of having been created to “take players' money away”.

[0007] That negative image gradually changed with time, especially due to quite significant jackpots being given out, to the widely publicized prize process, and to authorities' control over machines programs.

[0008] Nowadays, “Slot Machines” count on state-of-the-art technology, and are visually appealing to players', in addition to displaying incomparable colors and sound, which no one can help from listening to.

[0009] Of course the space taken by the different types of slot machines has been made drastically larger. At some casinos these days, they take over sixty per cent of the total playing area.

[0010] As to “Table Games”, however, which have specific rules, and in some cases quite complex rules to be memorized by players, hardly anything new has come up in the last decades. Most casinos have the almost century-old “Table Games” such as “Roulette”, “Black Jack”, “Baccarat” and “Seven Eleven”. None of those games have brought any technological innovation, though, and their rules have been kept unchanged ever since their implementation.

[0011] Only a few novelties have been introduced. For instance, in the traditional “Poker” game, “Let It Ride” and “Caribbean Stud Poker”, etc. have been introduced. Most recently, aiming at meeting the expectations of Asian customers, “Pai Gow Poker” and “Red Dog” have also been introduced. None of those games uses technology devices, though, and neither do they allow for interaction between players and game.

[0012] The great advantage of “Table Games” over the “Slot Machines” is exactly their credibility. Since those games are not associated to electronic equipment, thus requiring all procedures are taken not only manually, in a transparent and visible way, they provide players with one hundred per cent credibility.

[0013] Except for “Caribbean Stud Poker”, which gives out large jackpots, all other games practically pay 1 to 1 (“Baccarat”, “Black Jack”, “Seven Eleven”), adding some kind of bonus, while others pay according to each player's chances (“Roulette”).

[0014] Therefore, the current “Table Games” have a huge handicap as compared to the “Slot Machines” in what refers to players' hope to hit the jackpot while risking little money.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new card game.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a card game which can be played in casinos and other gaming rooms.

[0017] The foregoing objects are attained by the card game of the present invention.

[0018] In accordance with the present invention, a method of playing a card game with a dealer and at least one player comprises the steps of providing the dealer with only one deck of cards having fours suits containing only cards numbered 2 through 10 and an ace; each player placing an initial bet, each player deciding whether or not to be eligible for the “Add-on Prize” and to “Insurance” by placing a special chip in the corresponding slot on the table; sequentially dealing four cards to each player and to the dealer from the only one deck of cards; each player choosing to continue in that hand after viewing the cards; and if deciding to go on, the player places final bet. At this point in time, one of the players will raffle the Super Ace for the hand by pressing the selection button on the table. After the Super Ace is selected, the dealer reveals the dealer's cards and, if eligible, to play the dealer will check if each player has a higher hand than the dealer, paying the player if his/her cards are higher than the dealer's, paying no money if dealer and player have a tie, and forfeiting initial and final bets if the dealer has a higher hand than player's.

[0019] 1. The new game brings a number of novelties to players, such as:

[0020] (a) Although using an ordinary deck of cards, J (Jack), Q (Queen) and K (King) are eliminated, and only forty cards are left;

[0021] (b) Players are handed four cards only;

[0022] (c) The use of a triple electronic info panel;

[0023] (d) The giving out of add-on prizes;

[0024] (e) The offering of a collection insurance that can also be turned into an add-on prize;

[0025] (f) Electronic raffle, by one of the players, for the one to get the add-on prize;

[0026] (g) One hundred per cent credibility, although using electronic equipment;

[0027] (h) Players having two chances to win a jackpot; and

[0028] (i) Delivering the motivation players really look for.

[0029] 2. Easy-play: The rules are simple and easy. With only five types of games being possible, the game is very easy to learn and to be memorized by players.

[0030] 3. High Turn-over: Since it is only a four-card game, the time length for one complete hand, supposing all seats are taken by players, should not exceed three minutes.

[0031] 4. Motivational: The game is highly motivating, and what's more, quite different from other games, raising the interest of players. This is exactly where the game, brings its major novelty and what the high motivation players are always in search for.

[0032] Any of the “Table Games” casinos offer, such as “Poker”, “Black Jack”, “Caribbean Stud Poker”, etc., and even those not made available by casinos, and played at home like “Rummy”, and “Canasta”, the A (Ace) is always the highest card.

[0033] For any of those games, and many others, every time players look at their cards they instinctively hope and wish their first card to be drawn is an Ace, or else, that an Ace is part of their game. The Ace seems to impart with players the feeling of power, of strength, of the likelihood of winning that hand.

[0034] That is precisely why the new game was created: with the purpose of enhancing the motivation of players who expect to have at least one Ace in their hand. As it will be explained further, under “Add-on Prizes” section, even though a player may not have any of the hands in the game, all he/she needs is at least one Ace, and he/she will be entitled to the add-on prizes.

[0035] Therefore, the new game highest motivation driver is exactly to have players with their fingers crossed for one or more Ace(s) in their four cards.

[0036] 5. Credible: A simple, manual game system, although incorporating current technology (electronic equipment).

[0037] Since it is a simple, easy game, where the dealer hands out four cards to each player, the technology comes in as a lower electronic panel, detailed further on, which shows each of the four Aces—alternatingly and individually—along each hand.

[0038] As mentioned before, if the player has at least one Ace in his/her hand, he/she will be entitled to the add-on prizes. Therefore, at the point in time when all cards are on the table in that hand—both the dealer's and the players', with all face values/figures facing down—the Super Ace of that hand will be electronically raffled by one of the players for the add-on prizes. That way, credibility and impartiality will be kept up to one hundred per cent.

[0039] 6. Interactive: Players have a direct participation in the game. Players are the ones to raffle off the add-on prize.

[0040] As mentioned before, at every new hand a different player will be in charge of pressing the button on the table for the electronic operation for the Super Ace raffle of that hand for the add-on prizes. Players interact with the game, and decide on their own luck or other players' luck in that hand.

[0041] 7. Big Jackpot: It gives players the chance to get big jackpots with small bets.

[0042] The game offers two big jackpots, irrespective of players' bet amount.

[0043] (a) The Biggest Jackpot will go to the player with “Four Aces” in hand. Jackpot will be displayed on electronic upper panel.

[0044] (b) A ten per cent Jackpot special bonus will be paid off to players with “Any Four of a kind” except for Four Aces.

[0045] So, the game will allow players wagering lowest amount allowed by table to hit the jackpot.

[0046] 8. The Add-on Prizes: This will entitle players to additional prizes. As mentioned earlier, for players to be eligible for add-on prizes, all that is needed is at least one Ace in hand.

[0047] There are three possibilities for add-on prizes provided the dealer does not qualify, or player's hand is higher than dealer's.

[0048] (a) If player has one or more Aces in hand, and a suit different from “Super Ace” in the electronic raffle, player will receive an add-on prize: the same amount as his/her opening bet (“Ante”).

[0049] (b) If player has one or more Aces in hand, same suit as “Super Ace”, in the electronic raffle, player will receive an add-on prize: four times the amount of his/her opening bet (“Ante”).

[0050] (c) If player has a “Set of Three Aces”, of suits different from “Super Ace”, in the electronic raffle, player will receive an add-on prize: twelve times the amount of his/her opening bet (“Ante”).

[0051] 9. Collection Assured: Players are guaranteed a pre-set value for collection. Players will be entitled to insurance under one of the three situations below, provided the dealer does not qualify, or player's hand is higher than dealer's.

[0052] (a) If player's hand includes four cards of the same suit, player will get US$ 50.00 worth guarantee.

[0053] (b) If player's hand includes any “Four of a kind” different from Four Aces, player will get ten per cent of jackpot accumulated up to that point in time.

[0054] (c) If player's hand includes “Four Aces”, Player will get one hundred per cent of jackpot accumulated up to that point in time.

[0055] 10. New Emotions Always Guaranteed: With all the attraction drivers described, every new hand will bring stronger and stronger emotions and the pulling for an Ace will almost turn into an obsession.

[0056] Other details of the card game and payment ratios of the present invention, as well as other objects and advantages attendant thereto, are set forth in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals depict like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057]FIG. 1 is a top view of a table top cover used to play the card game of the present invention;

[0058]FIG. 2 is a top view of one of the player's position; and

[0059]FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a display used while playing the card game of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0060] Referring now to the drawings, the card game of the present invention when used in a casino or other gaming room uses a table having a custom table top 10 such as that shown in FIG. 1. The table top 10 includes a central position 12 for a dealer and a plurality of positions 14 for as many as seven players. The table top 10 may be formed from any suitable material known in the art such as a felt-like material.

[0061] As shown in more detail in FIG. 2, each of the player positions 14 is numbered from 1 to 7. The table top at each player position 14 has a circular box 16 labeled “ANTE” and a larger circular box 18 labeled “BET”. “BET” is the place where the player located at a particular position places his/her opening bet chips. Each player position 14 also has a box 20 labeled “CARDS”, a selection button 22 labeled “SUPER ACE”, and a box 24 labeled “INSURANCE & ADD-ON”. The “CARDS” box 20 is where the player deposits his/her cards. The selection button 22 is to be pressed by the player at the respective position 14 during the game if that player is the one to raffle the Super Ace for that hand. The “INSURANCE AND ADD-ON” box 24 is where the player places the special chip which can be bought at the game table.

[0062] The dealer's position 12 has four boxes 26, 28, 30, and 32, where the dealer places the cards dealt to him. Next to the dealer is an electronic card shuffler 50 to shuffle the only deck of cards. On an opposite side of the table is a slot (not shown) where the money is to be deposited after being collected from players buying chips, as well as other table control forms. A totem support pole 54 is provided on which an electronic display 34 is positioned.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 3, the electronic display 34 has an electronic box 36 which displays the cumulative jackpot that will be paid off to the player with highest cards possible in that hand, that is, four Aces. For every special chip deposited by one or more of the players and collected electronically by the dealer, the cumulative jackpot will go up. Box 38 on the display contains seven lights numbered from 1 to 7. When one or more lights are on, the number of the player or players using special chips is indicated. The display 34 also has an electronic box 40 which shows initially alternating and individually each of the four aces in the deck of cards. Immediately after all players have seen their cards and decided whether to go on or not, therefore placing their corresponding final bet, box 40 is used to show which player is to be selected to raffle the Super Ace for that hand. The dealer presses one of the electronic control buttons 58, and box 40 will show the seat and position numbers 14 for the raffling. The selected player will then press the button 22 and box 40 will show one of the four aces which shall be deemed to be the “SUPER ACE” in that hand. The electronic boxes 36 and 40 may comprise any suitable electronic display unit known in the art. The display unit used for the electronic boxes 36 and 40 are preferably programmable.

[0064] The table top 10 also has a box 56 where the dealer keeps the cards which were not given out initially as well as those that have been collected. Finally, an electronic table control device 58 is provided. The device 58 is electrically connected to the electronic box 36, to box 38, to box 40 and to control buttons 22. The device 58 is programmed to deduct from the total jackpot shown in the box 36 an amount corresponding to the amount of insurance which the dealer has paid insurance to one or more players during the game.

[0065] The card game of the present invention is played with one deck of cards only. The deck of cards is a forty-card deck. Each deck of cards has four different suits—diamonds, hearts, spades and clubs. Each suit contains ten cards bearing numbers 2 through 10 and an ace. The cards J (Jack), Q (Queen) and K (King) are excluded from the game. The ace stands for the number 11 and is the highest value card in each suit.

[0066] Each player is dealt four cards and plays against the dealer, who is also dealt four cards. Players do not play against themselves. The possible hands a player may have include nothing (no two cards with the same number), two of a kind (a pair with the same number), two pairs (a first pair of cards having the same number and a second pair of cards having the same number), three of a kind (three cards having the same number), four cards with the same suit, four of a kind (four cards with the same number except for aces), and super aces (four aces). Nothing is the lowest possible hand and super aces is the highest possible hand.

[0067] Prior to commencing the game, the dealer shuffles the only deck of cards in the electronic card shuffler 50. When the hand is opened, each player places his opening bet, as many chips as he likes, in the “ANTE” box 16. After the opening bet, the player, following his personal discretion may place a special chip on the box labeled “Insurance and Add-on” 24. This may entitle the player to any “Add-On Prizes” and to “Insurance”.

[0068] Following the placement of the initial bet in box 16 and any special chip in box 24, the dealer presses button 58 and the special chips are collected by slot 24, and kept inside the table. At this point, for players who have deposited the special chip, the light will be on both in position 14, where the player is siting, and on electronic display 38 to indicate player's seat number and thus show he/she is eligible for Add-on Prizes and Insurance. Then, four cards are dealt sequentially to each of the players and to the dealer. After the player has received his/her four cards and examined them, he/she has the option to fold or to go on with the hand. If the player feels his/her hand may be lower than the dealer's, he/she may fold, placing the cards on the table in box 20 located at player's position. The dealer then collects the chips from the “ANTE” box and the player's cards, closing his/her participation in the game, and therefore the player also lost the special chip placed in box 24. If the player feels his/her hand may be higher than dealer's, then he/she makes his/her final bet by placing in box 18 designated “BET” on the table the chips needed to double the opening bet or ANTE.

[0069] Once all of the final bets have been placed, it is time to fix the Super Ace suit. The dealer presses a button on the electronic table control device 58. This causes a number of one of the players to be displayed on the electronic box 40. The player thus selected pushes the button 22 in front of him/her. Once the player has pressed button 22, the electronic box 40, which is pre-programmed, makes a random choice of one of the aces as the Super Ace.

[0070] After the Super Ace has been chosen, the dealer shows his/her four cards. The dealer is only qualified to beat the player(s) who have not folded, if the dealer is holding at least a pair of twos or higher. If the dealer is not qualified, the dealer immediately pays off all opening bets or the “ANTE” of the participating players at the rate of 1 chip for each chip wagered. No amount is paid for the final bet. For players who have not used the special chip, i.e. their light is off, the dealer collects the cards, closing participation in that hand. For players who have used a special chip, i.e. their light is on, the dealer checks for “Add-On Prizes” and “Insurance”. If the player's hand includes one or more Aces, the dealer will pay an “Add-On Prize” in accordance with the following schedule:

[0071] (1) If there is at least one ace in the player's hand which is different from the Super Ace, the player receives an amount equal to the opening bet or ANTE;

[0072] (2) If one of the aces in the player's hand is the same suit as the Super Ace, then the player receives an amount equal to four times the opening bet amount or ANTE; and

[0073] (3) If the player's hand includes three aces and the Super Ace is a different suit, the player receives an amount equal to twelve times the opening bet amount or ANTE.

[0074] The dealer pays the same player only one “Add-On Prize”, whichever prize stands for the player's highest gain.

[0075] With regard to “Insurance”, the dealer checks the player's hands and pays off as follows:

[0076] (1) If a player's hand has four cards of the same suit, a given amount such as fifty dollars;

[0077] (2) If the player's hand is four of a kind, except for four aces, the player receives up to 10% of the cumulative value of the jackpot up to that point in time, as shown in box 36; and

[0078] (3) If the player's hand has four aces, or SUPER ACES, the player receives 100% of the cumulative value of the jackpot up to that point in time, as shown in box 36.

[0079] If the dealer has qualified and if a player's hand cards are identical to dealer's, irrespective of the suit, that is considered a tie hand and therefore nothing is paid to the player by the dealer. In that case, the player will get all wagered chips back. The special chip will not be given back, since the player is still eligible for an “Add-On Prize” and/or “Insurance”. For a tie in an “Any Pair” or “Same Suit Card” hand, the highest face value cards will be considered the highest hand, and therefore the winner.

[0080] If the dealer's hand is higher than the player's, the dealer collects all chips, both the opening bet (ANTE) chips and the final bet chips. This closes the player's participation in that hand. The player will not be entitled for any “Add-On Prize” or “Insurance”. If the dealer's hand is lower than the player's, the dealer will make two down payments—the first one an amount identical to the opening bet and the second an amount corresponding to the following schedule: Player's Hand Payoffs Per Final Bet Any Pair  1 to 1 Any Two Pairs  2 to 1 Any Three of a Kind  3 to 1 Same Suit Cards  5 to 1 Any Four of a Kind 25 to 1 SUPER ACES 50 to 1

[0081] Following the payment of the two downpayments, the dealer checks whether each player is entitled to an “Add-On Prize” and/or “Insurance”. For players who have not used the special chip, the dealer collects the cards, closing participation in the hand. For players who have used the special chip, the dealer checks for aces and awards “Add-On Prizes” in accordance with the “Add-On” payout schedule previously discussed. The dealer will also award an insurance payment to those that have used the special chip in accordance with the aforementioned Insurance payment schedule. After all payments have been made, the cards are collected and the hand is closed.

[0082] It is apparent that in accordance with the present invention a card game has been provided which fully satisfies the objects, means, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. While the present invention has been described in the context of specific embodiments thereof, other alternatives, modifications, and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art having read the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace those alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a card game with a dealer and at least one player comprising the steps of: providing said dealer with at least one deck of cards having four suits containing only cards numbered 2 through 10 and an ace; each said player placing an initial bet; sequentially dealing four cards to each said player and to said dealer from said one deck; each said player viewing the four cards dealt to the player and choosing to continue play; each said player choosing to continue to play placing a final bet; determining whether said dealer is eligible to play; revealing the dealer's cards if said dealer is eligible to play; and for each said player continuing to play, determining whether the player has a higher hand than the dealer and paying money to the player if the player has a higher hand than the dealer, paying no money if the dealer and the player tie, and forfeiting the player's initial and final bets if the dealer has a higher hand than the player.
 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising providing each said player an opportunity to place a special chip in a box labeled Add-On Prize and Insurance prior to the sequential dealing step and thus become eligible for said Add-On Prize and said Insurance.
 3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising determining whether each said player choosing to continue to play the game is entitled to an Add-On Prize and awarding said Add-On prize to said player if said player is entitled to same.
 4. A method according to claim 3, further comprising determining whether each said player choosing to continue to play the game is entitled to an Insurance award and awarding said Insurance award to said player if said player is entitled to same.
 5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising paying each player continuing to play an amount equal to said initial bet and returning said final bet to said player if the dealer is not eligible to play.
 6. A method according to claim 5, further comprising determining whether each said player choosing to continue to play is entitled to one of an “Add-On Prize” and Insurance.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said dealer eligibility determining step comprises determining whether the dealer holds a pair of two's or higher.
 8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising selecting a super ace prior to the step of revealing the dealer's cards.
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein said selecting step comprises the dealer pushing a first button on an electronic control device to identify a selected player and said selected player pushing a second button to randomly select the super ace.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of placing a final bet comprises placing a bet equal to twice the initial bet.
 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of paying the player if the player's hand is higher than the dealer's hand comprises paying the player a first amount equal to the initial bet and a second amount from 1 to 50 times the final bet.
 12. Equipment for use in playing a card game comprising: only one deck of cards; and said at least one deck of cards having fours suits only with cards numbered 2 to 10 in each suit and with an ace in each suit.
 13. The equipment according to claim 12, further comprising a table having a first position for a dealer and second positions for up to seven players.
 14. The equipment according to claim 13, wherein each said second position has a first box labeled ANTE and a second box labeled BET.
 15. The equipment according to claim 13, wherein said second position has a box labeled INSURANCE and ADD-ON for receiving a special chip and a button for selecting a SUPER ACE.
 16. The equipment according to claim 13, wherein said first position has four boxes with each box receiving a card dealt to the dealer.
 17. The equipment according to claim 13, further comprising a totem pole and at least one electronic display mounted to said totem pole.
 18. The equipment according to claim 17, wherein said at least one electronic display comprises an electronic box for displaying a jackpot amount, a second box containing lights numbered 1 to 7, and a third box for displaying a selected super ace.
 19. The equipment according to claim 18, further comprising an electronic table control device to be used by the dealer to deduct monies paid to one or more players, and to control which players have placed the special chip.
 20. The equipment according to claim 19, wherein said electronic table control device has a first button which when pushed by the dealer selects a player who will push a second button to select a super ace. 